According
to two Eurobarometer reports published
today, 71% of EU citizens agree that collaborative
research at EU level is growing in importance
and 59% consider that the EU should spend
more money on scientific research. 64%
of Europeans agree that our economy can
become more competitive only by applying
the most advanced technologies. The same
proportion acknowledges the role science
and technology play today in industrial
development. The survey supports the perception
that US is more advanced that Europe in
research, with only 12% of those questioned
thinking that Europe is ahead of the US.

Research at EU level is
widely seen as creative and effective,
and a large majority consider that European
countries should cooperate more with each
other. Europeans expect more investment
in scientific research, both at national
and at EU level, a more intensive collaboration
between researchers in Europe, and more
coordination between the Member States,
in which the EU must play a key role.
Regarding science and technology decision-making,
73% of EU citizens want politicians to
rely more on the advice of expert scientists.

The reports present and analyse the data
from two public opinion surveys carried
out for the first time in 32 European
countries earlier this year. They show
that Europeans put great trust in science
and technology. For example, 87% agree
that science and technology have improved
their quality of life and 77% believe
they will continue to do so for future
generations.

Differences between countries can be noted
with a general tendency towards more optimism
in the new Member States. Compared to
previous surveys, interest in science
and technology has decreased in some countries
but does remain high (78% of citizens).
The most spectacular evolution concerns
scientific knowledge, which has markedly
increased in most EU countries over the
last few years.

Some critical messages also come out of the surveys:

Europeans tend to resist
some technologies. For example, 54% of
Europeans consider that food made from
genetically modified organisms is dangerous
(88% and 80% in Cyprus and Greece, respectively)

Although there is an overwhelming recognition
of what science and technology have done
for society until now, people see also
negative impacts, e.g. on environment
and employment. A majority of people believe
that computer technologies eliminate more
jobs than they create

There is still
a comprehension gap between science and
society. Europeans feel badly informed
and not very involved in science and technology
issues. Efforts still need to be made
to bring science and technology closer
to people and foster communication between
scientists and the public

This duality is also valid for the image Europeans
have of scientists: people recognise the
positive role scientists play in society
but there is also some criticism of the
way scientists' explain their achievements
and handle information towards the public.